イーストバッドリーの湖・トップ4

Flat out gravel fun and we'll drained mostly

Here you have a beautiful view over the reserve. But first cross the railway line. Apparently you can even swim there.

It is a wetland habitat that attracts thousands of birds, especially waders and wildfowl, and offers stunning views of the Exe Estuary. Exe Estuary Trail passes by the reserve and offers scenic views of the river and the surrounding countryside.

Ride through the centre of the old quarry here, with the lakes to either side and views to the coast. Look out on the water for birds, including Canada geese and tufted ducks. Take it easy as there are gates at each end and it's a popular route for walkers.

Great place to stop and watch the wildlife

Blackhill Quarry (or Black Hill Quarry), is now defunct and is slowly being restored to heathland habitat. This restoration includes open water habitats and the diversity of terrain encourages a similar diversity of wildlife and birds to the area. Semi-feral ponies also graze parts of the area and stay out year round, so you’ve got a great chance to see these native ponies. Lizards, dragonflies and butterflies are all now making a strong comeback.

One of the best places in Devon for watching wading birds, the Bowling Green and Goosemoor marshes RSPB reserves are a sanctuary for wildlife on the edge of the Exe Estuary. Here you can watch the many migratory species from the wooden hide at the edge of the marshes, just off the lane. Keep your eyes peeled for black-tailed godwits, brent geese, avocets, wigeon and teal, among a whole host of other wildlife. For further information, visit: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/bowling-green-and-goosemoor/

The Exe Estuary cycle track passes through Goosemoor nature reserve with holes in the wooden fence for bird spotting here. We saw curlews, redshanks, greenshanks, and dunlins on our pass through!